3 Inches of Rain to Fall on Santa Monica; Flood Warning Issued for Pacific Palisades Flooding Possible in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - November 14, 2025An intense atmospheric river storm is bearing down on coastal Los Angeles County, with forecasters predicting up to 3 inches of rain to fall across Santa Monica through Saturday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Pacific Palisades until 2:15 AM PST Saturday, while a broader Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Santa Monica and surrounding areas through Sunday morning.The NWS Los Angeles office reports that heavy rain bands are expected to intensify after midnight, with rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour possible in the strongest cells.

Downtown Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier, and low-lying areas along Ocean Avenue are at elevated risk for urban flooding, particularly in storm drains and underpasses.

"Residents should avoid driving through standing water and be prepared for rapid street flooding," said NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell. "Even areas not typically prone to flooding could see water accumulation with this kind of intensity."

In Pacific Palisades, the Flash Flood Warning was triggered by already-saturated soils and rising runoff in Topanga and Temescal Canyons. Mandatory evacuations are not in place, but residents in flood-prone zones are urged to move to higher ground if water begins entering homes.

As of 11:13 PM PST, no Flash Flood Warnings are active for Santa Monica proper, but the city remains under the Flood Watch due to expected totals of 2.5 to 3 inches in coastal zones, with isolated higher amounts possible near the Santa Monica Mountains.City of Santa Monica officials have deployed extra public works crews to monitor drains and clear debris. Sandbags are available at Fire Station 1 (1444 7th Street) and the Civic Center Parking Structure.Forecast Timeline (Santa Monica):Overnight (11 PM – 6 AM): Heavy rain, 1–2 inches possible.

Prediction here is for the early morning of Saturday Nov. 15, 2025.

Saturday Morning: Continued moderate to heavy rain, additional 1 inch.

Saturday Night: Scattered showers, diminishing after midnight.

Drivers are advised to avoid coastal routes including the Pacific Coast Highway, where ponding and reduced visibility are reported. The Santa Monica Police Department urges residents to sign up for Alert Santa Monica for real-time emergency notifications.The storm is expected to taper off by Sunday, but a secondary wave of moisture could bring additional light rain early next week.For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/losangeles or follow @NWSLosAngeles

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